Apparatus for recovering objects from wells



April 18, 1939. A. L. ARMENTROUT ET AL 2,154,654

APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING OBJECTS FROM WELLS Filed Feb. 2, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet l 5 76 0 v M 0 as .0 a w 6% w 9 4 W SS5. 3 v w? w W 3 m; m wu MM 74 7 l W; W 5 f1 2mm 0 4 ME r 2 m A 3 y m 3 C M 2 wmw Q W a 5 5c 5 m w W A, 4M 2 m w A l f A v $2 w m 44 4 April 18, 1939. V

A. L. ARMENTROUT ET AL APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING OBJECTS FROM WELLS Filed Feb. 2, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 18, 1939. A. L. ARMENTROUT ET AL 2,154,654

APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING OBJECTS FROM WELLS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 2, 1938 77791)" FQf/onzgy Patented Apr. 18, 1939 UNITED STATES APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING OBJECTS FROM WELLS Arthur LArmentrout, Los Angeles, and CecilH.

Phillips, Long Beach, Calif.; said Phillips assignor of one-fourth to said Armentrout Application February 2, 1938, Serial No. 188,310

21 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus useful in connection with well drilling operations and relates more particularly to an apparatus for recovering lost objects from wells. A general object of this.inventlon is to provide a simple, practical and effective electrically controlled and operated apparatus for fishing objects from wells.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus for fishing objects of electrical conducting material from wells that embodies fish engaging parts to be lowered into the well and means for fusing or welding said parts to the fish to securely connect the fish with the parts whereby the fish may be withdrawn from the well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a fishing apparatus of the character mentioned embodying means for informing the operator of the effective engagement of the fish engaging parts or electrodes with the fish and operator-controlled means for subsequently supplying fusing or welding current to the electrodes to fuse them to the fish.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus of the character mentioned'in which the electrodes are initially connected in a circuit carrying low strength current, which circult is completed when the electrodes both engage the fish and completion of this circuit affects a suitable meter or indicator at the ground surface whereupon the operator may apply a fusing or welding current to the electrodes to'fuse them with the fish and upon completion of the fusing or welding operation the welding circuit may be opened and the apparatus may be withdrawn from the well to recover the fish.

Another object ofthis invention is to provide a fishing apparatus of the character mentioned in which the fish engaging parts or electrodes are yieldingly held or spring pressed so that they may conform to and have effective engagement with the fish in the well to assure the creation of strong welds.

' Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus of the character mentioned in which the unit or tool carrying the fish-engaging electrodes may be run into the well on a line or cable or on a string of drill pipe.

A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for recovering objects from a well that is'particularly effective in recovering comparatively small objects of electrical conducting material and that does not depend upon mechanical gripping parts for gripping and engaging the fish.

The various objects and features of our invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of our invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a typical well illustrating one form of apparatus of the invention with its electrodes in engagement with a fish in the well. Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view of the fishing tool of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view illustrating one of the electrodes and the adjacent parts. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the lower portion of one of the electrodes. Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view and wiring diagram of the apparatus shown in Figs.

1 to 4, inclusive. Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view and wiring diagram of another form of apparatus of the invention showing the fishing tool in the well with its electrodes engaging a fish. Fig. 7 is an enlarged wiring diagram of the control relay of the apparatus shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the fishing tool of the apparatus shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the tool shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view of the plug for plugging into the tool. Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view of the tool shown in Fig. 8 illustrating one of the electrodes and its supporting means. Fig. 12 is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line l2l2 on Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a fragmentary side elevation of still another form of the invention and Fig. 14 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line [4-14 of Fig. 13. I v In the drawings we have shown two forms of devices or fishing tools of the invention and have shown one form of tool used on a line or cable and are illustrated in the drawings.

- ,The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, of the drawings includes, generally: a fishingtool T to be run into a well .W-and comprising a housing or body Ill, electrodes ll projecting from the body II) to engage a fish F and means l2 for insulating the projecting electrodes II from the fluid in the well the electrodes The housing or body In is provided to contain and carry the various elements of the tool T. The body I0 is a hollow fluid and pressure-tight member and may comprise a tubular main section I5, a removable head I 6 closing the upper end of the section i5 and a head |1 closing the lower end of the section l5. In the particular application of this form of the invention illustrated in the drawings the head I6 is provided with a suitable rope socket i9 and the lower end of a cable or line I9 is received in the rope socket I8 whereby the tool T may be handled or run into and out of the well W on the line. The line i9 may be reeled on a measuring reel R having a meter 20 for indicating the position of the fishing tool T in the well W. The body iii of the tool T is proportioned to move vertically in the well W with substantial clearance and the body l9, carrying the various parts of the tool T, has sufficient weight to pull the line l9 into the well W.

The electrodes II are the fish engaging parts of the tool T and project from the lower end of the body I0 so that they may contact the fish F. There are two like or similar electrodes projecting downwardly beyond the lower head H of the body III. The electrodes H are disposed vertically or longitudinally of the body I0 and are spaced apart horizontally to engage and fuse with the fish F at spaced points. In the preferred construction the electrodes II are elongate members provided at their upper ends with reduced stems 2| carrying heads 22. The electrodes I are preferably shiftable and spring held or spring urged so that they may both have effective engagement with a flsh that is irregular in shape or that has a stepped, inclined or nonhorizontal upper surface.

The means for shiftably supporting'the electrodes ii on the body Ill include tubes 23 extending through openings 24 in the body head H. The tubes 23 may extend some distance upwardly in the hollow body l0. Rings 25 of dielectric material insulate the tubes 23 from the walls of the openings 24. Radial flanges 26 are provided on the lower ends of the tubes 23 and washers 21 of dielectric material are arranged between the flanges 26 and the under side of the head l1. Nuts 28 are threaded on the tubes 23 within the body i0 and insulating washers 29 are interposed between the nuts 29 and the upper surface of the head |1. It is believed that it will be apparent how the nuts 29 serve to secure the tubes 23 in Place. It will be observed that the tubes 23 are fully insulated from the tool body [9.

The electrodes II are slidable or shiftable longitudinally in the tubes 23 to have electrical conducting engagement with the tubes. The parts are related and proportioned so that the electrodes II project from the lower ends of the tubes 23 and have their reduced stems 2|' entirely received in the tubes. The stems 2| extend through internal flanges 39 on the tubes 23 and the heads 22 are engageable with the flanges 39 to limit the downward movement of the electrodes. Helical springs 3| are arranged in the tubes 23 under compression between the flanges 39 -and the shoulders 32 on the electrodes The springs 3| yieldingly urge the electrodes downwardly so that they normally project a substantial dis.- tance beyond the lower ends of the tubes .23 as illustrated in the drawings. It may be desirable to provide bleeder openings or vents 33 in the tubes 23 above and below their flanges 30.

Fusible tips or welding tips 34 are provided on the lower ends of the electrodes The tips 34 are preferably removably secured to the electrodes so that they may be readily replaced following use or operation of the tool T. In the construction illustrated in the drawings pins 36 on the upper ends of the tips 34 are threaded in sockets 36 in the lower ends of the electrodes ii to removably attach the tips to the electrodes. The tips 34 are preferably beveled or substantially pointed. The tips 34 are formed of readily fusible metal or welding metal such as steel, copper, bronze, etc., and preferably carry a suitable flux. In the case illustrated longitudinal openings 31 extend into the tips 34 from their lower ends and contain a suitable flux 33.

The means |2 while not essential may in certain uses or applications of the apparatus be desirable to prevent arcing or short circuiting between the spaced electrodes when the welding current is delivered to the electrodes. The means |2 includes tubular sheaths 39 for the protruding lower portions of the electrodes H and the exposed parts of the flanges 26. The sheaths 39 may be secured to the lower end of the head l1 and extend downwardly around the flanges 26 and the electrodes The sheaths 39 surround the electrodes II with substantial clearance. In accordance with the invention the sheaths 39 are formed of a readily deformable dielectric material such as a soft rubber composition or the like. It is preferred to proportion the sheaths 39 so that their lower ends are slightly below the lower ends of the electrodes II when the electrodes are in their lowermost positions. Accordingly, the sheaths 39 completely surround the protruding portions of the electrodes The means |2 further includes a tank or contamer-40 for holding a supply of air or other suitable gas under pressure. The container 49 is preferably housed in the body Hi. In the particular construction illustrated in the drawings the container 49 is arranged in the upper portion of the body in and is supported on a suitable shelf or bracket 4|. The container 49 is such that it is capable of dependably holding air or the like under a pressure of several thousand pounds per square inch. A pipe 42 extends from the container 49 downwardly through the body I0 to pass through an opening 43 in the head l1. The opening 43 is suitably sealed against the entrance of fluid to the body Ill. The pipe 42 is controlled by a suitable valve 44. The valve 44 may be located adjacent the container 43 and may be connected therewith by a readily releasable connection 45 whereby the container 43 may be easily removed and replaced when the head i6 is removed from the body section IS. A removable plug 46 closes an opening 41 in the wall of the body section II. The opening 41 is adjacent the valve 44 and when the plug 46 is removed the valve and the coupling 46 are conveniently accessible.

the electrode sheaths 33. When the tool T is in the liquid, normally present in a well, the air or gas under pressure continuously supplied to the sheaths 39 effectively prevents the entrance of the liquid into the sheaths. The air or gas is under suiilcient pressure to withstand the hydrostatic pressures in the well. It will be apparent how the air or gas within the sheaths 39 prevents contact of the liquid in the well with the electrodes II and thereby prevents electrical short circuiting between the electrodes through the fiuid.

The circuit i3 for the electrodes H is operable to indicate to the operator the engagement of the electrodes with the fish F and is operable under the control of the operator to supply a welding current to the electrodes II to fuse their tips 33 with the fish. The circuit l3 includes conductors 50 connected with a suitable source of.

A. C. current. The conductors 50 are preferably associated with or enclosed in the line l9 which carries the tool T. The current fiow through the conductors 50 is controlled by a suitable rheostat 5| at the ground surface and a volt meter 52 and an ammeter 53 are connected in the conductors. The circuit l3 further includes a transformer 53. The transformer 53 may be housed in the body III of the tool T and is such that it steps up the amperage of the current supply to the electrodes II. The transformer 53 has its primary 53 connected, between the conductors 50 and has the terminals of its secondary 55 electrically connected with the electrodes II. In practice leads 55 may extend from the transformers secondary 55 to binding posts 51 on the upper ends of the tubes 23. As described above. the electrodes II have electrical conducting engagement with the tubes 23. It may be found desirable to connect a fuse 53 in one of the conductors 50 that is designed to break the circuit when the current reaches or exceeds the capacity of the transformer 53.

In the operation of the fishing apparatus illus-' trated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, of the drawings, the tool T may be connected with the line l9 to be lowered into the well W. Before the tool T is run into the well the valve 33 is cracked or opened to permit a slow leakage of gas or'air to the sheaths 39. The tool T may be lowered into the well on the line l9 to a point adjacent the fish F. If the depth orposition of the fish F is known the meter 23 may be observed in controlling the reel R to bring the tool T to a position immediately adjacent the fish F; When the tool T approaches the fish F the rheostat 5| is manipulated to delivera low amperage current to the electrodes ll. As described above, the air constantly discharged into the sheaths 33 prevents the entrance ofv the well liquids to the sheaths 39 and thus prevents contact of the liquid with the electrodes. When the low amperage current is supplied to the circuit 13 the line l9 may be slowly played out to lower the electrodes H into engagement with the fish F. When the electrodes l I approach the fish F the soft deformable sheaths 39 may be pressed back or deformed by their engagement with the fish to allow the tips 34 of the electrodes to. engage the fish. Thus the sheaths do not interfere with contact of the electrodes with the fish F. In the event that the fish F has-a non-horizontal upper surface as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings one electrode ll may come into engagement with the fish F before the other and continued downward movement of the tool T may cause retraction or distortion of the sheath 39 of the first mentioned electrode. The electrodes II are spring held as described above and may remain stationary through contact with the fish F as downward movement of the tool T continues. Thus the spring loading of the electrodes ll assures the effective engagement of both the electrodes with the fish.

The meters 52 and 53 are observed when the tool '1 approaches the fish F and when both of the electrodes ll engage the fish F to complete the circuit l3 through the electrical conducting fish, the reading of the meters is immediately altered to indicate to the operator that the electrodes have both come into engagement with the lost object or fish. The rheostat 5| is then manipulated to deliver a high voltage current to the conductors 50. The transformer 53 steps up the amperage of this high voltage current and the high amperage current in the electrodes il immediately welds or fuses the fusible tips 34 to the fish. The meters 52 and 53' are observed at this time and when they indicate that good welds have been made between the tips 34 and the fish F and the current capacity of the transformer 53 is approached or reached the rheostat 5| is manipulated to open the circuit 13. The welding or fusing of the tips 34 to the fish F effectively connects the fish with the electrodes II and the fish may be withdrawn from the well by reeling in the line H. Following the recovery of the fish from the well W the valve 44 may be closed and if desired the tips 34 may be replaced to condition the electrodes H for further use.

The form of apparatus of the invention illustrated in Figs. 6 to 12, inclusive, of the drawings, includes, generally: a tool T to be run into a well W and comprising a body l0, fusible electrodes H projecting from the body it to engage .a fish F and means 60 in the body l0 for supplying fusing current to the electrodes II and an indicating and controlling circuit l3 for governing the means 60.

The body Ill of the tool T carries the electrodes H and the means 60 and is adapted to be run into the well W to a. position adjacent the fish F. The body in is a hollow fluid-tight structure comprising a tubular main section 15', a head Il closing the lower end of the section l5 and a head or sub Hi closing the upper end. The tool T is adapted to be run into and out of the well W on a string of drill pipe P and the sub l5 may serve to connect the body It with the lower end of the pipe P. In. the particular 'structure illustrated in the drawings the body Ill is of substantially the same diameter as the pipe P.

The electrodes H may be similar to the electrodes ll described above. The electrodes II are spaced horizontally and project downwardly beyond the lower'end of the body Hi. In the preferred structure the electrodes H are shiftable vertically or longitudinally in tubes l3 arranged through openings 2 in the head H. The tubes 23 are insulated from the head I!- by rings 25 and washers N and 29 and are secured to the head H by flanges 26 and nuts 28" in the same manner as the above described electrodes II. The electrodes II are shiftable or slidable longitudinally in the tubes 23 and have electrical conducting engagement with the tubes. The tubes 23 are provided at their upper .ends with tubular extensions 5i and heads 23' on the electrodes ll shift longitudinally in the tube extensions. The heads 22" are engageable with shoulders or fianges 30 on the extensions 5| to limit the downward movement of the electrodes. Springs 62 are arranged in the tube extensions BI and are under compression between the heads 22 and plugs 83 to yieldingly urge the electrodes ll outwardly and to normally hold the electrodes in the positions where their heads 22 seat on the flanges 38 The plugs 88 may close the upper ends of the tube extensions 8|. Fusible tips 38 are provided on the lower ends of the electrodes and may be identical with the above described tips 88.

It may be found desirable to coat the electrodes II and their tips 34 with dielectric material. As best illustrated in Fig. 12 of the drawings coatings 68 of insulating material are provided on the electrodes H and their tips 34*. The coatings 88 may be shellac, lacquer or other suitable coating material having the desired insulating qualities. The coatings 84 eifectively insulate the protruding portions of the electrodes from the liquid in the well W so that there can be no arcing or short circuiting between the electrodes. The coatings 64 are preferably such that the engagement of the electrode tips 34 with the fish F breaks or chips the coatings from the tips to permit direct physical engagement between the tips and the metallic fish.

' Ratchet means may be provided to prevent return movement or downward movement of the electrodes I I subsequent to their fusing with the fish F so that the electrodes may assume substantially equal strains and equal portions of the weight of the fish in the event that the electrodes are not in the same vertical positions at the com-l pletion of the welding or fusing operation. This means may comprise sockets 65 in the upper ends of the tubes 23 containing series of balls 86 for contacting the electrodes H. The sockets have downwardly and inwardly inclined walls which maintain the balls 88 in engagement with the electrodes II. The balls 66 are free to contract or move upwardly in the sockets 85 during upward movement of the electrodes I I or during downward movement of the body l8 with respect to the electrodes. The balls 88 in the tapered sockets 85 cooperate with or grip the electrodes II to prevent return or downward movement of the electrodes and are capable of transmitting strains and forces between the electrodes and the body l8 of the tool T when the tool is raised to withdraw the fish F from the well W.

The means 68 is operable under the control of the circuit I3 to deliver a welding or fusing current to the electrodes II to fuse their tips M to the fish F. The means 68 includes a bank of batteries 81. The bank of batteries 81 is housed in the body ||l and may be supported on a suitable shelf 68 in the body section IS. The bank of batteries 61 has conductors or leads 88 extending to binding posts 18 on the plugs 83. The electrodes' I are in electrical engagement with the tubes 23'- and are therefore in electrical connection with the battery leads 88 secured to the plugs 63 on the tube extensions 8|.

The circuit i3 is operable to inform the operator of the electrical transmitting engagement of the electrode tips 34' with the fish F and is controllable by the operator to complete the circuit from the batteries 81 to the electrodes II! to fuse their tips to the fish F and to subsequently break the battery circuit. The control circuit i8 includes a pair of conductors 18 adapted to be run into the string of drill pipe P. The conductors 18 are suitably insulated by a sheath or cable II and are provided at the ground surface with a volt meter 12 and an ammeter 18. The conductors 18 may be connected with any suitable source of electrical current and the circuit through the conductors may be controlled by a suitable rheostat 14. The circuit I8 further includes a pair of conductors 18 in the fluid-tight tool body i8.

A string of well drill pipe is usually made up of a multiplicity of pipe sections at the time the string is run into the well. It may be found difficult to thread the conductors 18 through the string of pipe P as the same is assembled and run into the well and the invention provides a simple, effective means whereby the conductors 18 may be lowered into the string of pipe P to be electrically connected with the conductors I8 subsequent to the complete assembling of the string of pipe P. This means includes a central socket I5 entering the upper end of the sub l8- and provided at its upper end with a downwardly and inwardly inclined wall. Vertically spaced contact rings 18 and 11 are arranged in the socket 15. The rings 18 and 11 are carried by a cup or tube 18 of insulating material on the wall oi the socket 18. Contact spring fingers 88 project inwardly from the ring 16 and similar fingers 8| project inwardly from the ring 11.

The conductors l8 and their cable 1| carry a plug 82 which is adapted to enter the socket 15 to eifect electrical connection of the conductors 18 with the conductors 18'. The plug 82 is provided at its upper end with a threaded-on part 83 that forms a rope socket for fixing the plug to the cable 1|. The plug 82 has a central longitudinal opening 84 receiving or passing conductors 18. The plug 82 is shaped to fit or enter the socket I5 and has a cylindrical lower portion and an upper portion having a downwardly and inwardly inclined periphery. Packing rings 82' are provided on the inclined periphery of the plug 82 to seal with the tapered wall of the socket. A block 85 of insulating material is secured to the lower end of the plug 82 and has a peripheral annular groove 88. A contact ring 81 is arranged in the groove 88. One of the conductors I8 is connected with the ring 81 by a suitable screw 88. A substantially spherical head 88 of conducting material is secured to the lower end of the block 85 and the second conductor 18 is connected with the head by a screw 88.

Subsequent to the assembling of the string of pipe P and the running of the pipe into the well, the conductors 18 carrying the plug 82 may be run down through the string of pipe. The plug 82 is adapted to enter and seat in the socket 15. When this occurs the spring fingers 88 cooperate 1 with the contact ring 81 and the contact fingers 8| contact with the head 88 so that the conductors 18 are electrically connected with the conductors 18. It is to be understood that the contact fingers 88 and 8| may serve to yieldingly retain the plug 82 in the socket 15 but are yieldable so that the conductors I8 may be withdrawn from the string of pipe P prior to the pulling of the string from the well W.

' The invention preferably includes means for automatically draining or discharging liquid from the socket I8 simultaneously with the entrance of the plug 82 to the socket so that such liquid cannot create a short circuit between the contact fingers 88 and 8|. A port 8 is provided in the lower end of the socket l8 and has communication with a container within the body II. A valve 2 controls the port 8. The valve 2 seats upwardly to close the opening I I0. The stem of the valve H2 is guided by a cage H9 and by a guide head II4 slidable in the port IIO. A spring II5 normally holds the valve II2 closed. An extension or tip H8 is provided on the lower end of the head 89. The tip IIG may be insulated. When the plug 82 enters the socket I5 and approaches its final position in the socket the tip II6 enters the port H and engages the stem of the valve I I 2 to open the valve. This permits the escape of liquid from the socket I5. The liquid is free to drain from the port I I0 into the container III. The packing rings 82 on the plug 82 seal with the tapered wall of the socket 15 to prevent the entrance of fluid in the drilling string to the socket I5. Accordingly, the socket I is free of liquid following the seating of the plug 82 in the socket.

The control circuit I3 further includes a relay for governing the circuit of the batteries 81. This relay includes spaced contacts 9I in one battery lead 89, an armature 92 and a contact 93 on the armature for cooperating with the contacts 9I. A spring 94 normally holds the armature 92 in a position where the contact 93 is out of engagement with the contacts 9|. ing 95 is provided to shift the armature 92 to the closed position where its contact 93 engages the contacts 9I. The operating winding 95 is connected between the conductors that is, it has its terminals connected with the conductors 10. Accordingly, the operating winding 95 is under the control of the rhostat I4.

The control relay further includes a holding coil 98 operable to retain the armature 92 in the. position where its contact 93 engages the contacts 9|. The holding winding 98 is connected between the battery leads 89 and is associated with the battery leads in such a manner that it remains de-energized until the battery circuit is completed by engagement of the contact 93 with the contacts 9|. A fuse .91 is preferably interposed in one of the battery leads 89 and is operable to open the battery circuit to the electrodes II" wheneffective welds have been formed between the electrodes and the fish F.

It may be desired to break the control and indicating circuit I3 simultaneously with the completion of the battery circuit through the conductors 69 and the fishF. Spaced contacts I02 may be provided in one of the conductors 10 and a contact. IOI may be provided on the armature 92 to engage the contacts I02. The parts are related so that the spring 94 normally holds the contacts IOI in engagement with the contacts I02. Upon energizing of the coil 95 and the coil 96 the contact IOI moves out of engagement with the contacts I02.

When the tool T is to be secured to the lower end of a string of drill pipe P as illustrated in the drawings, it is preferred to embody means in the tool for handling circulation fluid. As illustrated in the drawings spaced circulation ports 98 may extend longitudinally through the sub I8. The upper ends of the ports 98 have communication with the lower end of the drillv pipe P. Tubes or pipes 99 extend downwardly from the ports 98 and pass through the body I0 and through openings I 00 in the head I1. The upper portions of the pipes 99 may thread into the ports 98. The pipes 99 are sealed about at the openings I00 to prevent the entrance of fluid to the body I0". The pipes 99 are adapted to discharge downwardly at the lower end of the tool T. The circulation fluid discharged from the pipes 99 may be employed to fiush or clean the fish F prior to An operating windthe engagement of the electrode tips 34' with the fish and if desired or found necessary may be employed in assisting in freeing the fish from the accumulation of mud, etc. so that it may be more readily withdrawn from the well following the welding or fusing operation.

In the operation of the form of apparatus illustrated in Figs. 6 to 12, inclusive, of the drawings, the tool T may be secured to the lower end of the string of pipe P and the string may be run into the well in the usual manner. When the tool T has been brought to a position adjacent the fish F the plug 82 may be lowered through the string of pipe P on the cable I I As described above the plug 82 is adapted to enter the socket so that the contact fingers may engage the ring 81 and the contact fingers 8| may engage the head 89. This connects the conductors I0 with the conductors I0. The rheostat 14 may then be manipulated to supply the conductors 10 and 10' with a low strength current. The pipe P may then be manipulated or lowered to bring the electrodes II 9 into engagement with the fish F. When the tips 34' come into engagement with the fish F the insulating coatings 84 are chipped or broken from the tips so that the tips come into direct contact with the fish F.

Immediately upon the direct physical engagement of the electrode tips 34 with the fish F the circuit I3 is completed through the fish and the meters I2 and I3 give a reading to indicate the engagement of the two electrode tips with the fish F. The low strength current thus employed in the circuit I3 to indicate the engagement of the two electrode tips 34 with the fish F. is not of suflicient strength to energize the winding and the battery circuit between the bank of batteries 61 and the electrodes II remains open. The electrodes II are spring held and in the event they engage an irregular fish or a fish having a non-horizontal upper side the electrodes may assume positions with their tips 34" in different horizontal planes. The yielding mountings of the electrodes II assure the proper engagement of the electrode tips 34 with a fish of practically any shape.

Following the engagement of the electrode tips 34' with the fish F-as just described the rheostat 14 may be manipulated to pass a stronger current through the circuit Ill to energize the coil 95. Energization of the coil 95 brings the'contact 93 into engagement with the contacts 9| to complete the battery circuit from the batteries 8'! to the electrodes II and through the fish F and moves the contact IOI out of engagement with the contacts I02 to break the indicating and controlling circuit I9. Completion of the battery circuit energizes the holding coil 98 simultaneously with the de-energization of the coil 95 so that the contact 93 is retained in engagement with the contacts 9|. 'Actuation of the control relayto complete the battery circuit as just described provides for the passage of strong battery current through the fusible tips 94 and through the fish F and this current fuses the tips to the fish F. When extensive and good conducting welds or connections have been formed between the tips 34 and the fish F and the current strength reaches or approaches maximum the fuse 91 blows out or breaks the battery circuit. This, of course, de-energizes the coil 95 and the spring 94 returnsthe contact IOI into engagement with the contacts I02 to re establish the circuit I8. 7

Upon re-establishment of the circuit I 3' its meters I2 and 13 give an indication of the comple tion of the fusing or welding operation. The conductors I0 may then be withdrawn from the string of pipe P. When the conductors I0 are reeled in the plug 82 is pulled upwardly out of the socket I5. Following the withdrawal of the conductors I0, the string of the pipe P may be pulled from the well to recover the fish F.

As above described, the balls 66 operate to retain the electrodes II against downward movement relative to the body III after the engagement of the electrodes with the fish and the balls 66 assure the imposition of substantially equal strains on the two electrodes when the fish is being pulled free and raised from the well. If desired or found necessary circulation fluid may be pumped downwardly from the string of pipe P prior to the engagement of the electrodes II with the fish F, following the fusing or welding operation or at other times to fiush mud from the fish and to assist in freeing the fish from the well.

Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate a form of fish engaging means that may be employed on either of the two types of fishing tools T or T described above. The fish engaging means illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14 is characterized by a plurality of spaced electrodes II of carbon or the like for delivering current of one polarity to the fish and a fusible electrode II of engaging the fish to deliver current of the opposite polarity thereto and to fuse with the fish.

The electrodes II project from the lower end of the head I'i of the fishing tool. In accordance with the invention the electrodes II are preferably yieldingly supported or spring urged in the same manner as the electrodes II and I I and are insulated from the body of the fishing tool. The several carbon electrodes II are conheated to one lead or side or pole of the source of current whether it be the batteries 61 or the transformer 53. The electrodes II are spaced apart to cooperate with the fish at spaced points. We prefer to space .the electrodes II circumferentially about the vertical center of the head H There may be any desired number of spaced electrodes II. In the case illustrated there are three equally spaced electrodes Il The electrode II may be identical with the electrodes II and I I described above. The electrode II projects downwardly beyond the lower end of the head I'I and is spring urged in the same manner as the electrodes II and II. The electrode I I is provided with a removable fusible tip 34 of steel, copper, bronze, or the like. If desired or believed necessary the electrode II may be insulated or protected from the fiuid in the well.

The fishing tool embodying the head or fish engaging means illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14 of the drawings has substantially the same mode of operation as the previously described forms of the invention. When the electrodes II" and II engage the fish in the well two or more of the non-fusible electrodes II come into effective contact with the fish and the tip 34 of the central electrode II engages the fish. When the operator has been made aware of the contact of the electrodes with the fish as described above the welding or fusing current is delivered to the electrodes I I and I I. This current fuses the tip 34 to the fish and passes through the fish between the electrodes I I and Il The electrodes I I being formed of carbon or the like, are not melted or fused by the current. The tip 34 constitutes the only element of the tool that requires replacement after use, as the non-fusible elements II are not affected by the electrical current and do not require replacement.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of our invention we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. Apparatus for recovering lost objects from wells comprising a tool to be run into a well, spaced electrodes on the tool, at least one of the electrodes having a fusible part to engage a lost object of electrical conducting material, and means supplying current to the electrodes to fuse the said part to the object.

2. Apparatus for recovering objects of electrical conducting material from wells comprising a unit to be run into and out of a well, electrodes protruding from the unit, at least one of the electrodes having a fusible part adapted to engage an object in the well, and means for supplying current to the electrodes to fuse said part to the object.

3. Apparatus for recovering objects of electrical conducting material from wells comprising-a string adapted to be run into and out of a well, a unit carried by the string and including spaced projecting electrodes adapted to engage an object in the well, and means for supplying current to the electrodes to fuse them to the said object whereby the said object may be withdrawn from the well.

4. Apparatus for recovering objects of electrical conducting material from wells comprising a string adapted to be runinto and out of a well, a unit carried by the string and including spaced electrodes for contacting a lost object in the well, an electrical circuit in which the electrodes are connected in spaced relation, and means for supplying current to the circuit to cause the electrodes to fuse to the fish.

5. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a unit including a fusible part, means for lowering the unit into the well to have said part contact the said object, and means for completing an electrical circuit through said part and the object to fuse the part to the object whereby the object may be withdrawn from the well.

6. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a unit including a fusible part, means for lowering the unit into the well to have said part contact the said object, means at the upper end of the well for giving an indication to the operator when said part is in engagement with said object, and means for completing an electrical circuit through said part and the object to fuse the part to the object whereby the object may be withdrawn from the well.

7. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a unit including a fusible part, means for lowering the unit into the well to have said part contact the said object, and means controllable at the upper end of the well for passing an electric current through said part and said object to fuse the part to the object whereby the latter is secured to the unit to be removable from the well by the first named means.

8. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comlowering the unit into the well to have said part contact the said object, means at the upper end of the well for indicating contact of the fusible part with the said object, and means for completing an electrical circuit through said part and the object to fuse the part to the object whereby the object may be withdrawn from the well.

9. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a body, spaced electrodes, means securing the electrodes to the body to protrude from the lower end thereof and to shift vertically with respect thereto, means for lowering the body into the well to bring the electrodes in contact with said object, at least one of the electrodesbeing fusible, and means for completing an electric circuit through the electrodes and said object to fuse the fusible electrode to the said object whereby the same may be withdrawn from the well.

10. Apparatus for recoveringan object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a body, spaced electrodes projecting from the body, at least one of the electrodes having a fusible tip for engaging said object, means for running the body into the well to bring the electrode tip into contact with said object, means for electrically insulating the electrodes from the liquids in the well, and means for completing an electric circuit through the electrodes and the object to fuse the fusible tip to the object.

11. A fishing tool useful for recovering objects of electrical conducting material from wells comprising a body adapted to be run into a well,

spaced electrodes projecting from the lower endof the body and having fusible parts for engaging an object in the well, and means for conducting electrical current to the electrodes for fusing said parts to the said object.

12. A fishing tool useful for recovering objects of electrical conducting material from wells comprising a body adapted to be run into a well, shiftable spring-held electrodes projecting from the lower end of the body, at least one of the electrodes having a fusible part for engaging an object in the well, and means for conducting electrical current to the electrodes for fusing said part to the said object.

13. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a body, means for operating the body in the well, spaced parts carried by the body and adapted to engage the object, a circuit in which said parts are connected and extending to the upper end of the well for connection with a current source, a fusible tip on'at least one of the said parts, and means associated with the circuit at the upper end of the well for controlling current flow therethrough.

14. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a body, means for operating the body inthe well, spaced parts carried by the body and adapted to engage the object, a fusible tip on at least one of the said parts, a circuit in which said parts are connected and extending to the upper end of the well for connection with a current source,

means at the upper end of the well for controlling current flow through the circuit, and meter means in the circuit at the upper end of the well for indicating the engagement of the said parts with the object.

, 15. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a body, means for operating the body in the well, spaced electrodes carried by the body and adapted to engage the object, a fusible objectengaging part on at least one of the electrodes, a source of electrical energy carried by the body, and means controllable at the upper end of the -well for connecting said source with the electrodes to fuse the said part to the object.

16. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a body, means for operating the body in the well, spaced fusible. parts carried by the body and adapted to engage the object, a source of electrical energy carried by the body, electrical in dicating means at the upper end of the well for indicating engagement of the said parts with the object, and means controllable at the upper end of the well for connecting said source with the fusible parts to fuse the same to the object.

17. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a body, spaced electrodes projecting from the body, a fusible tip on at least one of the electrodes for engaging said object, means for running the body into the well to bring the electrodes into contact with said object, dielectric coatings on the electrodes for electrically insulating the electrodes from the liquids in the well, and means for completing an electric circuit through the electrodes and the object to fuse the said tip to the object.

18. Apparatus for recovering an object of electrical conducting material from a well comprising a body, spaced electrodes projecting from the body, at least one of the electrodes having a fusible tip for engaging said object, means for running the body into the well to bring the electrode tips into contact with said object, means for electrically insulating the electrodes from the liquids in the well including deformable sheaths around the electrodes in spaced relation thereto and means maintaining air under pressure in the sheaths, and means for completing an electric circuit through the electrodes and the object to fuse the tips to the object.

19. Apparatus for recovering lost objects of electrical conducting material from wells comprising a tool to be run into a well, a plurality of spaced electrodes projecting from the lower end of the tool to engage an object in the well, one of said electrodes being fusible, the other electrodes being formed of non-fusible material, and means for supplying electrical current to the electrodes to fuse the fusible electrode to the object.

20. Apparatus for recovering an object from a well comprising a carrier to be run into the well, a fusible element carried by the carrier to be fused to the object in the well, and means for effecting the fusing of said element to the object.

21. A tool for recovering an object from a well comprising a carrier to be operated in the well, spaced projections on the carrier carrying fusible elements to be fused to the object, and means for effecting the fusing of said elements to weld the object to the projections for removal by the carrier.

AR'I'HUR L. ARMENTROU'I. CECIL H. PHIILIPS. 

